I stole it from the Internet, for myself, but maybe you find it interesting too
There is somewhat of a hype around Bio Oil. This is a miracle oil for scars, stretch marks (atrophic stripes of skin) and other skin problems. According to the website, Bio Oil:
1) “Helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone,”
2) “Highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including aging and dehydrated skin.”
Bio Oil is meant to be a natural skin care product. Some say that it is far from natural and may even be dangerous. Others say it is truly a miracle oil. As in many other cases, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Bio Oil does seem to work on small scars and wrinkles for many people. After reading many Bio Oil reviews, it is clear that positive user experiences are more common. There is also no evidence at all to support rumors that the mineral oil component is harmful. Although regarding stretch marks Bio Oil is not considered very well. Only 10% of respondents say they improved their stretch marks with Bio Oil. Most didn't see any difference.
Bio Oil for fine wrinkles and spots
I decided to try Bio Oil for 14 days (even though several weeks are recommended). I applied Bio Oil to four places for three minutes once a day. One was where I had an old white scratch scar on my arm left by a cat, another was an old scar on my leg, another was spots on my face from the strong sun and the last place on my neck where I have some stretch marks. The appearance of the old scars (thin and thick) on the arm and leg has not changed at all. A small stretch mark on my neck and a spot on my face did show an improvement in my appearance. The small stretch marks have disappeared and my face has a more even appearance. My face was bothering me, but Bio Oil did not cause any rash.
Bio Oil reviews are mixed, as with any skin care product. It is almost impossible to formulate a conclusion based solely on reviews. Therefore, a look at the scientific facts might help a little in determining the true value of products such as Bio Oil. Several Bio Oil components are known allergens and irritants to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. In addition, the main component of Bio Oil is mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum). Mineral oil is a suspected skin irritant. Mineral oil is believed to have several side effects, including exacerbation of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Many dermatologists do not recommend the use of mineral oil because it clogs pores, making skin worse.
But is all this true? Let's look at some frequently repeated comments in Bio Oil reviews:
It smells very nice. The next day the skin is very soft and elastic. Convenient for those with dry skin. It certainly reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and blemishes. Makes scars less red and brightens skin tone. Visually helps reduce scars. "Bio Oil makes my skin feel like silk"
Bio Oil as a skin moisturizer
Many people are very confident in Bio Oil. Some people say that this product makes their skin softer than any other product. In addition, Bio Oil reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and blemishes. While it may not be the best product for reducing surgical scars and stretch marks, it is certainly highly regarded by many.
It is not completely absorbed by the skin. The skin remains oily/oily for some time. Clinical trials were conducted only on white women. No major changes in redness or pigmentation are visible. The product does not feel natural, it is a little oily to the touch and there is too much perfume in it. “I tried Bio Oil and my skin broke out in rashes like crazy.”
Bio Oil Is mineral oil really bad for the skin? No, there is no evidence that Bio Oil is harmful to health. This product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Many companies say that you should not use mineral oil. Of course they have their own reasons for this. As for studies, they show that Bio Oil does not cause cancer and dehydration, and does not draw minerals and vitamins from the skin. Bio Oil (like other cosmetic products) must meet strict purity requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration and international standards.
Conclusion: Despite many opposing opinions regarding Bio Oil, there is no evidence that it is harmful. Bio Oil works on wrinkles and small scars. There are more effective products for stretch marks. Reading a large number of reviews about Bio Oil, you will notice that many people complain about poor absorption, their skin remains greasy and oily. On the other hand, there are many more people who have noticed an improvement. They experienced good absorption, their skin felt really soft and their scars improved. Bio Oil as a scar removal product can work on many people. Bio Oil can be used against stretch marks and wrinkles, making them softer. More than 80% of people surveyed said that Bio Oil significantly healed their scars.
But how to get rid of stretch marks? Which stretch mark cream should I use? Only 10% of respondents said that Bio Oil worked on their stretch marks. Most didn't see any difference. But there are alternatives to Bio Oil that can help get rid of stretch marks.
There are a few important things to consider when determining a stretch mark product: Does the product contain effective ingredients? And if it does, then in what quantity. Some products contain small amounts of a particular ingredient just to list it on the label. Every good skin product has a reliable delivery system, such as micro sponges, liposomes, some other types of transport. What do customer reviews say? How many people are satisfied with the product? Is the company reliable? Does she have a good reputation, is it possible to contact her, for example through a website.
Effective Ingredients Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates and restores elastin and collagen, creating stronger, smoother, more elastic skin through increased rates of cell turnover and regeneration. It is able to pass through the inner layers of the skin due to its small molecular structure. Retinol also increases the rate at which your skin's cell population turns over, dramatically reducing blemishes.
Other important ingredients are humectants, occlusives and emollients. For example, glycerin, dimethicone and squalene oil. Vitamin E and grape seed extract are known to strengthen collagen and elastin in the bottom layer of skin (epidermis). Ingredients rich in fatty acids are used to improve skin elasticity, such as shea butter, borage oil, wheat germ oil, (rich in vitamin E) rosehip seed oil and sweet almond oil. Products containing vitamin A or retinol, Retin-A should not be used during pregnancy!
Collagen is the main protein that makes up 75% of the skin. It stimulates the formation of new collagen, leading to skin regeneration. At the same time, elasticity improves, helping to smooth out wrinkles.
Causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks are a form of scarring. They occur as a result of a tear in the dermis (the layer of skin underneath the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin) when the skin is severely stretched. The loss of elastin and collagen in the skin causes stretch marks to appear all the way to the epidermis, leading to changes in tone, fine lines and wrinkles. But excessive stretching of the skin is not the only reason for the development of stretch marks. Stretch marks also appear under the influence of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, puberty and muscle growth. Therefore, stretch marks develop during pregnancy, weight gain and sudden growth (for example, in teenagers and bodybuilders). Scientists believe that some people are prone to developing stretch marks because they produce more hormones called corticosteroids than others. This hormone reduces the amount of collagen in the skin, and collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity. Although stretch marks can be treated and can be eliminated to a large extent, in most cases they do not disappear completely.
Bio Oil Alternatives
Humidifiers, occlusives and emollients. How to determine which stretch mark cream is the best? You need to look at the ingredients. Not only which ingredients, but also in what quantities they are present. Manufacturers sometimes put small amounts of ingredients in their creams just to list them on the label. Creams for stretch marks that really work should contain so-called humectants, occlusives and emollients. Humidifiers conduct water from the top layer of the skin (and sometimes even from the atmospheric air) into the deeper layers of the skin. One of the best moisturizers is glycerin. A good quality stretch mark cream should also contain occlusives. These are ingredients that inhibit the evaporation of water from the skin. Dimethicone is such an occlusive. Emollients help maintain smooth, soft and flexible skin. A good emollient is squalene oil.
The best creams for stretch marks
Based on numerous customer reviews and experiences, Revitol and Mama Mio ZAP Goodbye are the best products you can buy. An examination of the ingredient list confirms this. Although most creams cannot completely eliminate stretch marks because they are difficult to treat, Revitol and Mama Mio creams can significantly reduce the appearance and minimize the appearance and structure of stretch marks. This conclusion can be made by examining various forums and reviews. The more superficial the stretch marks, the much better they can be eliminated. Prevention is key. Stretch mark removal can be done, but if you know you are prone to developing them, it is recommended that you start using creams now.
Tips for preventing stretch marks
Take care to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Don't eat too much. Many women start eating much more than is really necessary. It's normal for you to gain weight during pregnancy, but sudden and large weight gain can lead to stretch marks. You can consult your doctor about your weight gain guidelines.
Drink plenty of water. This will keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Eat enough foods that contain vitamin A, E, and C. It is recommended to take supplements to improve skin elasticity, but only use a high-quality multivitamin. If you are not sure, consult your doctor.
Eat foods containing fatty acids. They stimulate the nutrition of skin cells. Although the effect will be minimal, it can complement the overall reduction of stretch marks. Or it may help prevent stretch marks from developing when you experience significant weight changes. Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, grains and other natural foods are rich in antioxidants and contain essential amino acids. They can help keep your skin more elastic and flexible. It is not recommended for healthy people to take antioxidants in pill form.
Prevent stretch marks with a preventive cream.
Stretch mark prevention cream – Revitol
Powerful Blend of Natural Ingredients
Comment: The cream is a product for prevention, but is also used for existing stretch marks.
High quality Revitol ingredients: The ingredients of the cream are glycerin, dimethicone and squalene oil. Humidifiers, occlusives and emollients are also important. Other ingredients include vitamin E and grape seed extract, which are known to strengthen collagen and elastin in the bottom layer of skin (epidermis). Don't forget, Revitol's success lies in the ingredients that make it a good product.
A few of the many positive reviews about Revitol:
“After about a month of using one stretch mark cream (Barmon) that didn't make any difference, I got annoyed and switched to Revitol. I swear it started working instantly. You expect to see results in 2 weeks, but it’s already been a little over 1 week and I can barely see the stretch marks.”
“This is my third week of using the cream and I can already see my stretch marks getting thinner.”
You can buy Revitol from the official website. The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on the product.
How does Revitol work? The combination of various active ingredients in Revitol penetrates the skin, working its way into the deeper layers. This allows you to stimulate elasticity and softness of the skin from the inside. In this way, the epidermis is better prepared to deal with skin stretch marks during situations such as pregnancy, thereby reducing the frequency of stretch marks. By using Revitol daily, the skin becomes more elastic and collagen production increases. More information about the ingredients and the correct use of the cream can be found on the website.
Cream Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks
Very popular among celebrities. Another popular stretch mark cream with the best reviews is the Mama Mio brand. Mama Mio creams contain ingredients that have been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by over 70%. The ingredients of this cream are Regestril (to reduce the visibility and tissue of stretch marks), Emblica is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant for lightening and evening out the appearance of stretch marks and pigmentation. Matrixyl 3000 is a powerful peptide that has proven itself in laboratory tests to activate collagen production. It activates the body's own ability to remove stretch marks. Algisium S helps protect the skin from free radicals while improving the appearance of stretch marks on the surface of the skin.
Goodbye Stretch Marks are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.
Mama Mio has both a preventive and curative cream for subsequent use.
Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks are a very popular and well-reviewed product.
Celebrities such as Stella McCartney, Gabrielle Reece, Christina Aguilera, Milla Jovovich, Natalia Vodianova, Melissa Joan Hart, Victoria Beckham, Christy Turlington, Mariska Hargitay, Emma Bunton, Jennifer Beals, Lindsay Davenport and Rachel Weisz use this cream.
Preventing stretch marks with Mama Mio Tummy Rub
Ingredients Mama Mio Tummy Rub Ingredients rich in fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9) to improve skin elasticity. Shea seed oil, borage oil (an ancient oil used in the Far East for thousands of years as an effective treatment for damaged skin), wheat germ oil, rose hip seed oil (rich in vitamin E), sweet almond oil.
The most effective are Revitol and Mama Mio
Conclusion: Revitol and Mama Mio really seem to be the best products to use for stretch marks. Both subsequently prevent and treat them. Reviews show that Revitol and Mama Mio have improved stretch marks in several people. Trilastin ranks third among creams.
Can stretch marks disappear?
For older, chronic stretch marks, exfoliation may be the best solution. Old stretch marks are much more difficult to remove with creams. Creams can be helpful, but only when the stretch marks are relatively young. So be sure to try and prevent stretch marks from developing as soon as possible. Or treat them immediately after pregnancy (if you use retinol/retin A cream). For older stretch marks, various methods, such as exfoliation, can help. Exfoliation removes layers of dead skin and reveals new, soft skin. This is perhaps the best way to minimize the appearance of more advanced stretch marks. Some people use their own methods. It's important to use plenty of moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and soft after exfoliation.
Workouts for pregnant women
Reviews of DVD Leisa Hart - Exercises before and after childbirth
“I used the DVD for the first time about an hour ago. I'm four months pregnant with my first pregnancy. Before pregnancy, I didn’t exercise much, but I didn’t have any excess weight or changes in my figure. I just tried salsa dancing and it was so much fun! I trained until I was lightly sweating, and tomorrow we will find out the result. I haven't tried any other pregnancy exercise DVDs and probably won't because I love this one. And its great price is due to the fact that you get good postpartum exercises. What I really like about these exercises is that even if you don't have the strength to do the exercises, you can do the stretching section. I would definitely recommend this to all my pregnant friends."
Classic pregnancy workouts from Katie SmeeT
“These are great exercises during pregnancy. I worked out daily during my second pregnancy and noticed a huge difference compared to my first pregnancy. The exercises are 1980s, but they get you moving and you can feel the benefits. The only reason I rated this DVD a 4 instead of a 5 is because I love these exercises, but Katie Smith can be a little annoying at times and it can be awkward to watch Prego shuffle. Plus I wanted to save the 5 rating for Leisa Hart's CD, which I love more. But I alternate between the two because both are two different styles of exercise and the combination is great. I highly recommend this DVD. Time is saved due to the fact that this aerobics is divided into fragments, so you can perform the necessary exercises from time to time."
Book on treating stretch marks
A good source of useful information regarding stretch marks is the book"Solution to cellulite problem". Many people recommend this book, and most reviews about it are positive. After reading several negative reviews, you can understand that the recommendations of the authors of the book are: taking vitamin supplements and antioxidants. After scientists have found that taking (significant amounts of) antioxidants and vitamins is not good for health and may even be dangerous, you can think about purchasing this book.
More information about skin care
Whatever the definition, stretch marks are scars. There are varying degrees of severity. Some people develop only mild stretch marks, while others develop purple and thick patches. This is mainly due to genes. But, as with all types of scars, there are things you can do to improve them.
Exercise makes your skin softer and more elastic. You should stop smoking as much as possible as it is really bad for your skin. A healthy diet (don't go overboard with supplements if you're healthy) can also help a lot. Gently massaging the skin is part of skin care.
You should always take care of moisturizing your skin. This requires drinking enough fluid per day and taking vitamins. Additionally, you can influence the skin externally using special professional cosmetics. By purchasing a miraculous jar of Bio-Oil at the pharmacy, you will smooth out scars, moisturize your body, and get rid of fine wrinkles and stretch marks.
Bio-Oil oil
The cosmetic product Bio-Oil entered the market in 2002, becoming one of the products sold. The spectrum of its action is wide: from eliminating scars and ending with an anti-aging effect. The drug meets the requirements of the World Health Organization and has been awarded at world exhibitions, for example, as “Best multifunctional restorative agent.”
Compound
Bio-Oil is based on common unrefined oils (chamomile, lavender, calendula) and supplemented with vitamins A and E. The exclusivity of this product lies not in its composition, but in the formula, which ensures complete absorption of all ingredients by the layers of the epidermis. However, along with plant components, Bio-Oil contains a mineral product – Paraffinum Liquidum, which is in no way classified as natural.
Effect on the body
Renews the skin, improves microcirculation and promotes rejuvenation.
Has a wound-healing, anti-burn effect.
Cleanses the skin of toxins. Promotes cell regeneration. Has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing effect.
Makes pigment spots, scars, scars less noticeable.
Gives skin elasticity, restoring it and healing wounds.
It has an antioxidant effect, restores the skin after thermal damage, for example, after sunburn.
Bisabol (chamomile extract)
Destroys bacteria. Soothes the epidermis.
Softens the dense texture of oils. As a result, the product penetrates deeper into the skin layers, is well absorbed, without leaving a greasy film.
Advantages and disadvantages of using the product
The disadvantage of the cosmetic product is its high cost. For visible results, a long course of use is required (at least 3 months), which can be expensive from the point of view of the family budget. If you take breaks, the desired effect will not be achieved. Another disadvantage, judging by the reviews, is the inconvenient bottle with a dispenser: when used, liquid flows down the bottle, dirtying it. However, this drug still has more advantages:
- due to its liquid consistency, it penetrates deep into the skin;
- makes the skin softer, silkier, has a general healing effect;
- can be used during pregnancy and lactation;
- restores the tone of aging, oily, problematic skin;
- reduces scars, fine wrinkles, post-acne;
- restores structure, promotes the synthesis of new cells;
- moisturizes rough and dry areas of the epithelium;
- removes peeling;
- relieves inflammation and irritation;
- hypoallergenic;
- with regular use, evens out the color of the epidermis;
- Available in recyclable packaging.
Indications for use
Since the beginning of production, Bio-Oil has been positioned as a drug to combat stretch marks. Later, the range of activities expanded significantly. Currently, it can be used to care for any type of skin. The cosmetic product is applicable for burns, scars, wrinkles, irritation, inflammation. However, you still don’t need to overdo it so as not to cause an allergic reaction.
Bio-Oil for stretch marks
There is no positive answer to whether bio-oil helps with stretch marks. Daily use of a natural product will make your skin fresh, smooth, and give it firmness and elasticity. Small stretch marks will become almost invisible. However, if you have had stretch marks for a long time, then it is unlikely that you will be able to completely get rid of this cosmetic defect using this remedy.
For wrinkles
The desire to prolong youth is characteristic of any woman. In the fight against wrinkles, dehydration and aging of the skin, representatives of the fair sex use any drugs. Some choose proven grandmother's recipes, others choose the latest innovations in the cosmetic industry, and some try to look for combined products. The latter includes the Bio-Oil suspension, which successfully smoothes out wrinkles, including facial wrinkles.
Bio-Oil for scars
Eco-oil is good for treating fresh and minor tissue damage. Although the manufacturer claims that Bio-Oil reduces the visibility of scars, no cosmetic product can cope with deep scars (for example, after surgical sutures). There is only one way out - laser polishing. Bio-Oil is able to even out the tone, but is not able to completely resolve the scar.
Use for pigmentation and acne
Uneven pigmentation causes no less problems for women than stretch marks. The cause of this defect is the irregular production of melanin, which occurs due to external influences. The use of low-quality bleaching products or prolonged exposure to the sun will change skin color. Another reason may be hormonal imbalance, which is typical during pregnancy. Reviews of Bio-Oil oil confirm its effectiveness in combating this deficiency. Bio-Oil can also be used for acne, after consulting a dermatologist.
Bio-Oil - instructions for use
Before use, be sure to test for an allergic reaction. Apply the drug to a dry or slightly damp body. If you want to get rid of stretch marks, rub it on the damaged areas with massage movements for 2 minutes. Kneading the skin will improve blood circulation and allow you to get rid of stretch marks faster. The procedure must be carried out 2-3 times. Those with dry and aging facial skin should use the serum before bed.
Bio-Oil for stretch marks during pregnancy
During pregnancy, an oil suspension is used to prevent stretch marks and increase overall tone. The cosmetic product nourishes the skin from the inside, saturating it with a complex of vitamins. They start using Bio-Oil from the 2nd trimester, 2 times a day. After taking a bath, you need to apply the product to your body. Particular attention should be paid to areas prone to stretching: chest, thigh, buttocks, abdomen.
Side effects and contraindications
Bio oil cosmetic oil has side effects and contraindications. The product may cause an allergic reaction as it contains paraffin and wax. It is not advisable to use it during the period of inflammation of acne and acne: the oily structure can clog pores and provoke the appearance of comedones. The drug should be applied very carefully to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes.
Analogs
The multifunctional product Bio-Oil is positioned by the manufacturer as a drug that has no analogues in the fight against scars and stretch marks. However, judging by the reviews, you can still buy a cheaper remedy for stretch marks or make it yourself at home, for example, a suspension with mummy (dissolve it in water and mix with a nourishing cream). Among the main substitutes are:
- Re-Gen oil. The composition, appearance of the packaging, smell and consistency are very similar to the oil in question. However the price is much cheaper.
- Revitol. A product based on powerful natural ingredients.
- Contractubex. An analogue of domestically produced cosmetic oil.
- Mama Mio. The components of the cream can reduce the visibility of stretch marks by up to 70%.
- Body Perfector. A product of the Oriflame company, created on the basis of glacial water and herbs.
Bio-Oil price
The manufacturer of Bio Oil is the South African company UNION SWISS ZA. The suspension is available in bottles with a dosage of 60 ml or 125 ml. The cost of the cosmetic product is high compared to similar products. The approximate price for these products in the Moscow region is given in the table below.
Have you already tried using Bio-Oil on your face? If not, then it's time to start. And I’m not just saying this, because Kim Kardashian West has long been a fan of this oil.
(In the list of her favorite products, it is the most affordable in the price category for us, ordinary people).
While good old Bio Oil has long been a permanent fixture in our bathroom cabinets, few dared to apply it above shoulder level. But just think: after all, oil enriched with vitamins helps solve many problems: from helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and scars, to a soothing effect on sun-baked or wind-weary skin, therefore, it is reasonable to assume that when applied to the face, bio oil can bring a lot of benefits benefits.
And guess what? The conducted studies agree with these conclusions.
Luckily, people love Bio-Oil and willingly participate in clinical trials, so there is quite a lot of evidence that it is effective when applied to the face.
1. Scars from squeezed pimples.
Fans of Bio-Oil know that its formula is focused on preventing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Obviously, this also applies to acne scars, even on the most delicate facial skin.
In a 2012 study conducted at Peking University in China, in people with newly developed acne scars, 84% of participants reported improvement in their scars after using the oil twice daily for 10 weeks, with 90% of subjects also confirming that using the oil reduced the redness of their scars.
Another thing to note is that even though Bio-Oil is an oil, the formula is actually non-comedogenic, so you don't have to worry about clogging your pores.
2. Wrinkles
Kim Kardashian has never hidden her love for Bio-Oil, but in addition to using it on her body to treat stretch marks, Kim uses it on the skin around her eyes to prevent the appearance of crow's feet. And Kourtney Kardashian once confirmed in an interview with Allure magazine that she also follows this recommendation from her sister. So - it works!
A quick aside: If you're used to the magical powers of high-performance retinols, peptides, and hyaluronic acid serums, you may be disappointed.
However, the formula of this oil contains large amounts of vitamin A and E, which are known for their regenerative properties.
3. Uneven skin tone
Yes, Bio-Oil can help solve such a complex problem. Whether uneven skin tone is caused by hormones or UV radiation, daily use of the oil can help combat hyperpigmentation. This ability is due to the blend of vitamins and extracts (such as calendula, rosemary and chamomile) in Bio-Oil, and their ability to repair sun-damaged skin cells.
But even here we should make a digression. It won't happen all at once. One study showed an almost 90% improvement in skin tone in just those who applied Bio-Oil twice daily for 12 weeks. And another reported similar results, noting that mild improvements occurred after only eight weeks.
Do you have enough patience? It's up to you to decide!
4. Skin that needs hydration
If you have dehydrated skin, then Bio-Oil is what you need! I have already said that oil does not clog pores. Additional benefits lie in the moisturizing properties of the vitamins and vegetable oils included in the composition. Another benefit of Bio-Oil for dry skin, however, is its occlusive properties. What does it mean? What the oil does is create a film on the skin, sealing water and moisture into the deeper layers of the skin, while simultaneously acting as a barrier to prevent moisture loss, which is usually the cause of dry and dehydrated skin.